Brethren all,

What a great change our Internet Committee, and our new Webmaster, have made in the electronic communications of our Grand Lodge! It is exciting to see all the “blurbs” and “blogs” and “tweets”, and all those other things that the “techies” have come up with to allow us to better communicate with each other. By now, you understand that I am still in the “party line” era.
Anyhow, I do want to thank Brothers Jerry, Collin, Ricky, and Jared for their hard work and dedication to this project.

I am looking forward to the groundbreaking for the “Builders Walk of Fame”, to be taking place this year at the Grand Lodge Office. According to the committee members, the bricks have been purchased, and the committee is going forth with the plans to begin the walk, one section at a time. We have only sold about 350 of the possible 2000 bricks that it will take to complete the walk, so, if you have not had the opportunity to purchase one, please do so in the near future. The forms are easy to download from the Grand Lodge Web Site.

In the mean time, watch out for motorcycles, and school children, and proudly display those Square and Compasses pins, patches, rings.

Butch
Grand Master of Masons in Mississippi

This will probably be the last of the series of articles written for the Craft by me as my term in office is coming to an end shortly.  However, I wish to ask you a question.  What is the noblest calling one can receive? I have thought about that question many times since being installed as Grand Master.  I want to thank each of you for your prayers, support and acts of kindness. I am truly humbled to be serving in this high office.

I know that together, we can accomplish great things while helping our fellowman. It will take each of us working together with a commitment to keep the lines of communication open, thus ensuring we listen and talk with each other while remaining united to make a difference because we were here.

As I have reflected on those in our communities who give of themselves daily I have pondered the question, what is the noblest calling one can receive? Perhaps it is to become a teacher, serve in the military, and be in public service as a school board member, fireman, policeman or perhaps a first responder.  Let us never forget the 911 responders.  And let us not forget the calling to be a spouse, parent, or to become the President of the United States.

Let us take a look at a masonic brother who became the 33rd President of the United States.  I have always admired President Truman, particularly the way he handled adversity. During his first weeks as Vice President, Truman scarcely saw President Roosevelt and received no briefings on the development of the atomic bomb or the developing difficulties with The Soviet Union. The winds of change would swiftly cause these and a host of other wartime tribulations to become Truman’s duty to solve when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died in office.

On April 12, 1945, Harry S. Truman became our 33rd President of the United States of America.  Shortly after taking the oath of office, Truman said to reporters, “Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now. I don’t know if you fellas ever had a load of hay fall on you, but when they told me what happened yesterday, I felt like the moon, the stars, and all the planets had fallen on me.”

Brother Truman’s noble calling began in 1884 when Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri. Truman did not have a middle name. In southern states, including Missouri, parents typically used initials rather than a middle name.  He grew up in Independence, and for 12 years prospered as a Missouri farmer through hard work and dedication. Truman would enter The Great War as a Captain in the Field Artillery and served in France.

Over four years the Great War would leave in its wake a toll of death, carnage and destruction such as the world had never seen. World War I would forever shape the 20th century and leave its mark upon Truman and those who served at home and abroad.  Returning from The Great War, he married Elizabeth Virginia Wallace and opened a men’s clothing store in Kansas City. Active in the Democratic Party, in 1922 Truman was elected a judge of the Jackson County Court. Eventually in 1934 Truman would hear the calling to become a Senator.  During World War II he headed the Senate war investigating committee, who was task with checking into waste and corruption.  It has been estimated that Truman saved our government an estimated cost of 15 billion dollars.
 
President Truman made some of the most decisive decisions in history. Soon after V-E Day, the war against Japan had reached its final stage.  Allied Forces issued an urgent plea for Japan to surrender, which was promptly rejected by the Empire of Japan.  President Truman, after consultations with his advisers, ordered atomic bombs dropped on cities devoted to Japan’s war effort.  The two cities selected were Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Japanese surrender quickly followed.  In June 1945 Truman witnessed the signing of the charter of the United Nations.

Until this time, President Truman had followed his predecessor’s policies, but he soon developed his own. He presented to Congress a 21-point program, proposing the expansion of Social Security, a full-employment program, a permanent Fair Employment Practices Act, and public housing and slum clearance. Truman wrote this program, “symbolizes for me my assumption of the office of President in my own right.” It became known as the “Fair Deal.”

In 1947 President Truman would face re-election and he would have to campaign for the office of President. In foreign affairs Truman’s life experiences provided his most effective leadership for the American people. President Truman’s second term would be marked with many social and foreign affair challenges. In 1952 President Truman would decide not to accept the nomination of his party for President. Weary and worn from the conflicts of politics and burdens he had faced President Truman retired to Independence; and at age 88, he died on December 26, 1972, “after a stubborn fight for life”. President Truman’s life or what may be called his “body of work” was committed to “do that which is right”.  His obituary read “He left a major mark as a world leader”.

Regardless of your station in life, are you committed to do that which is right? Often this will be a willingness to answer a call and accept a position of service. We each must be willing to break new ground and get out of our comfort zone.

Breakthroughs require commitment, engagement and imagination. Leaders should embrace their calling like President Truman and commit themselves to have their “body of work” stand for that which is right.  When faced with adversity look for new ideas, insights and ways to solve the problems we are facing – get out of the box. I challenge each of you to commit yourselves to make your “body of work” stand for that which is right.  Our communities, state, nation and world are facing many challenges and difficulties. Our fraternity has the capability to make a difference. This will only occur when the craft challenges itself to rediscover, the wonder and curiosity of their youth.  Are we willing to go beyond our self-imposed boundaries and help those in need?

One of the most memorable poems ever written is “In Flanders Fields”.  Trench warfare had left its toll upon Europe and literally churned up the soil. Therefore in May of 1915, McCrae sat down for a 5 minute rest period and in anguish wrote his poem.  “Flanders Fields” was literally born in fire and blood during the hottest phase of the second battle of Ypres during World War I, with the wild poppies bursting forth from the ditches and graves on the battlefield.

As Grand Master I ask you to plow new ground. Cultivate new Ideas. Reach beyond your comfort zone. Take time for internal reflection and evaluate your body of work.  Remember breakthroughs require commitment, engagement and imagination.

Let the poppies remind you of the sacrifices our service men and women have made for our Great Nation.  Remember – freedom is not free.  The time has come for this generation to have their body of work stand for that which is right.

Earlier I asked you, what is the noblest calling one can receive? I suggest to you that the noblest calling you can receive it is to realize and achieve your potential.  To be the best that you can be.  To be “Always Faithful” to God, to our country, to our wounded and fallen heroes.

Just as President Harry S. Truman inherited what seemed to be impossible tasks with insurmountable obstacles, he kept the faith and persevered.  He faced his calling to lead our nation by not giving up and made some tough decisions.  Truman practiced a popularized phrase, “the buck stops here”; which was on a sign on his desk in the Oval Office referring to the fact that the President has to make decisions and accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions.  That phrase is the motto of the U.S. Naval Aircraft Carrier – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) – in active military service today.

Like President Truman, we should not run away from our calling.  Accept the challenges before us and meet them head on.  Change the things that we can change, accept the things that we cannot and seek the wisdom to know the difference; however, we should always just do what is right. To be “Always Faithful” to God, to our country, to our wounded and fallen heroes.  Failure is not an option – be a Builder.

My term in office is coming to an end.  Shortly the question will be asked, “What is the time?” Brethren, words fail me in expressing my appreciation and gratitude for you in allowing me to serve you as Grand Master this past year.  I have done my best with the limitations that I had.  I thank you for your forgiveness of any shortcomings.  Remember Brethren, no matter the situation or obstacle – be Always Faithful – be a builder – I thank you for the honor of serving as your Grand Master this past year – Semper Fi.

Fraternally,
Kenneth E. Dyer
Grand Master

At the conclusion of a graveside burial service of a veteran, there is usually a twenty one gun salute, the Honor Guard removes and folds the American Flag and taps is played. A member of the Honor Guard retrieves three of the expended shell casings which are placed inside of the folded flag.  At the conclusion the American Flag is presented to the family on behalf of ‘The President of the United States and a grateful nation.’  The family is informed that the three shell casings represent duty, honor and country.

Duty, honor and country the three reasons, someone answers the call of their country in time of war or to serve in the military.  They do not seek glory, honor, accolades or medals but the solitude of their families. This is why they answer their country’s call.  Perhaps it is the words spoken many years ago by Abraham Lincoln, on November 19, 1863 in his famous Gettysburg Address that exemplifies those feelings:
“…the world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”

Brethren, as Americans we must consider the reality of the following:
• These are serious times within our country and they demand serious actions.
• We have a duty to our families, our ancestors and our posterity to be responsible citizens.
• Freedom is not free.

If we consider the enemies of masonry to be: ignorance, fanaticism and indifference toward the needs of others; it seems we are extremely out numbered.  As masons the imagery of the compasses and its useful purposes should be well known to us.  I suggest, however, that America has today lost her moral bearing and is becoming one nation forgetting GOD, rather than one nation under GOD.

With currently over 6 billion people in the world, more than 900 million people in North American,  over 2,000,000 people in the state of Mississippi, approximately 18,500 masons in our Grand Jurisdiction and about 245 lodges – how can so few, overcome such an overwhelming indifference force?

By studying the history of military battles one can learn several lessons from military strategy and gain knowledge for the task before them. Two such examples are General George S. Patton of World War II fame and General Norman Schwarzkopf of the Gulf War.  General Schwarzkopf had studied the past wars in the Persian Gulf and developed a good strategy.  I find it interesting that General Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character, but if you must be without one, be without strategy.”
General Patton studied the war strategy of the Carthaginian General Hannibal.  Here is a quote from General Patton worthy of consideration here: “Moral courage is most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.”  Each General studied past military battles and applied what worked into each of their battle strategies. 
 
A third example that we can use when planning battles against overwhelming enemies of masonry is to remember the military last stand of the Spartans at Thermopylae?
In 480 BC, Persia assembled an invasion force of over 350 thousand to invade and destroy Greece.  The King of Greece handpicked 300 Spartans and marched to Thermopylae.  The Spartans were one of the most militaristic cultures in history and mothers would tell their sons “come home with your shield or be carried on it”. The Greeks made their stand at a mountain pass 50 feet wide. The Persians outnumbered the Greeks 50 to 1.  The Spartans fought in platoons called a “phalanx “, which was a group of 8 men across and 4 deep.  In the first day of battle, an attacking force of 5000 Medes were defeated and their dead bodies were used to build a wall to mock the Persians upon their return on the 2nd day of the battle. 

Treachery would rear its ugly head and a Greek traitor went to the Persians and sold his integrity, by informing them of a goat path that went around the Spartans position.  The 300 Spartans would be out-flanked but they welcomed death and fought all the more fiercely.  The Spartans would make their last stand on a small hill after withdrawing from the pass and four times the Persian advance was repelled with heavy losses.

What does this have to do with us as masons?  The goat path in our masonic battle is the “ante room.”  We must not only guard against cowans and eavesdroppers from entering our lodges, but those who merely seek entrance into Appendant Masonic Bodies for personal gain.  We cannot allow the unskilled and unworthy to enter by way of the “goat path”; they would have outflanked us as the Spartans were.  These seek glory, titles and self-gratification.  Masonry is not for everyone and everyone is not for masonry.

A Mason is prepared first in his heart by applying the tenants of masonry long before he hears them in the work.  A man does not become a mason first in his ear or when someone solicits him for membership.

The path of enlightenment does not begin in some club or sports-bar. Therefore when you hear someone complaining about our membership declining, remember we will not defeat the enemies of masonry by mere numbers. We will win with our fraternity dedicated to duty, honor and country.  So if you are disheartened, think of quality not quantity and remember the last stand of the Spartans at Thermopylae.  A Spartan leaves the battle field with his shield or upon it.  A mason should realize that life is not about self and leaves the battlefield of life with his honor intact and with his dying breath say’s – “my life you may have, but my integrity you cannot.”

Fraternally,

Kenneth E. Dyer
Grand Master

Recently some Brethren have expressed suggestions that they do not want our wives, daughters, mothers, sisters and widows using the Lodge facilities for their meetings.  The main reason was a planned fund raiser directly conflicting with our effort to endow the Grand Lodge.  That issue has been put to rest and withdrawn by the Eastern Star and is no longer a concern.

If we as a fraternity are going to fulfill our mission, let alone survive the inundations of time we must unite. The family of Freemasonry consists of our Blue Lodges, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, Shriners International, the Order of the Eastern Star, DeMolay International, the Order of Rainbow for Girls, and many others who are connected with Freemasonry.  While each of the aforementioned Bodies are worthy of our support and consideration, as Grand Master I would like to expand on the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion.  Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work.  A deep fraternal bond exists between our members. The wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.

The Order of the Eastern Star is composed of people of deep spiritual convictions; it is open to all faiths. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can. Perhaps you have a local chapter meeting in your Lodge, and you are not fully cognizant of what they do?

Please allow me to share some of their purposes common with us: 

• Charitable- we believe that we should help support our fellowman through philanthropic activities.
• Educational- there are two things which will change your life for the better or worse. They are the books you read and the people your meet. OES activities consist of presenting public forums, lectures, and programs to promote social welfare to combat community deterioration.
• Fraternal- we are a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to foster fellowship and mutual benefits among our members to the benefit of society.
• Scientific- study allegorical symbols detailing the lessons of 5 heroines.

However there is much more to do, because when the family of freemasonry unites there will be no mountain too high or valley to deep which we cannot overcome. Dr. Rob Morris PGM, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using the beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

With this in mind why would our Lodges not welcome our wives, daughters, mothers, sisters and widows into our facilities? I am aware that disagreements exists between certain factions in each organization, however we must find common ground and unite. We do not always have to agree, but we need to unite in harmony. Unity will help the Blue Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star apply spiritual principles enabling each one to renew our strength.

Perhaps it is time for those who disagree with welcoming the Eastern Star to use our lodges should look in the mirror and examine their reasons.  I know that the barriers which have been built will not easily be removed; all I am asking is that if you do not agree with welcoming our wives, daughters, mothers, sisters and widows into our lodges to examine your reasons and remove them one brick at a time.

Our Great Light informs us that all gifts are from GOD.  Consequently we see recorded in the loom of time countless reminders of those whom climbed the ladder of fame, and those who stumble under the weight of praise.  Additionally there are those who serve as presiding Officer and refuse to relinquish the authority they received at their installation. I see nothing positive from holding on to resentment and clinging to some territorial prominence.

Remember that:

• Titles and honors are fleeting, be meek
• Talent is God- given, be humble
• Fame is man-given, be thankful
• Conceit is self-serving, be careful

Therefore let us humbly welcome Eastern Star members into our lodges so that the honor of our Fraternity may remain unsullied and we continue to support each other in brotherly and sisterly love.

Ken Dyer
Grand Master

 

If someone were to ask you to define “Freemasonry”, what would your response be? Many ponder their choice of words and being fearful of saying something that would be viewed as giving away some secret – they usually say nothing. Let’s arm ourselves with some knowledge and understand what we as masons should be telling those that do not understand us or our teachings.

A good definition by a District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Arizona, says that: “Freemasonry is a body of transcendental teachings, conveyed through symbolism, promoting a fraternal, exemplary and moral way of life; which, voluntarily observed by initiated men, contributes to their spiritual fulfillment and, through them, to the Betterment of Humanity.”

If we are to withstand the attacks of anti-masonic forces, we must practice what we are taught. As we all know, actions always speak louder than words. All masons are warned not to get into arguments with those who, through ignorance, would ridicule the Fraternity; however, we can win by the testimony we live in our everyday lives. Brother Thomas Webb (back in the early 1800’s) put forth some ideas that demonstrated the importance of the secrets of Masonry.

If the secrets of Masonry are replete with such advantages to mankind, it may be asked: why are they not divulged for the general good of society? To which it may be answered: were the privileges of Masonry to be indiscriminately bestowed, the design of the institution would be subverted, and being familiar to everybody, like many other important matters, would soon lose their value, and sink into disregard.

It is a weakness in human nature, that men are generally more charmed with novelty, than the real worth or intrinsic value of things. Novelty influences all our actions and determinations, what is new or difficult in the acquisition; however, trifling or insignificant, readily captivates the imagination, and ensures a temporary admiration; while what is familiar, or easily obtained, however noble and eminent for its utility, is sure to be disregarded by the giddy and unthinking.

Did the particular secrets of peculiar forms prevalent among Masons constitute the essence of the art, it might be alleged that our amusements were trifling; and our ceremonies superficial. But this is not the case. Having their use, they are preserved, and from the recollection of the lessons they inculcate, the well informed Mason derives instruction. Drawing them to a near inspection, he views them through a proper medium; adverts to the circumstances which gave them rise; dwells upon the tenets that convey; and finding them replete with useful information, adopts them as keys to the privileges of his art, and prizes them as sacred. Thus convinced of their propriety, he estimates the value from their utility.

Many people are deluded by their vague supposition that our mysteries are merely nominal; that the practices established among us are frivolous; and that our ceremonies might be adopted, or waved, at pleasure. On this false foundation, we have found them hurrying through all the degrees, without adverting to the propriety of one step they purse, or possessing one single qualification requisite for advancement. Passing through the usual formalities, they have accepted offices and assumed the government of lodges, equally unacquainted with the rules of the institution they pretended to support, or the nature of the trust reposed in them. The consequence is obvious; wherever such practices have been allowed, anarchy and confusion have ensued, and the substance has been lost in the shadow.

Were the brethren, who preside over lodges, properly instructed previous to their appointment, and regularly apprised of the importance of their respective offices, a general reformation would speedily take place. This would evince the propriety of our mode of government, and lead men to acknowledge, that our honors were deservedly conferred. The ancient consequence of the order would be restored, and the reputation of the Society preserved.

Such conduct alone can support our character. Unless prudent actions shall distinguish our title to the honors of Masonry, and regular deportment display the influence and utility of our rules, the world in general will not easily be led to reconcile our proceedings with the tenets of our profession.

Masonry is an art equally useful and extensive. In every art there is a mystery which requires a gradual progression of knowledge to arrive at any degree of perfection in it. Without much instruction, and more exercise, no man can be skillful in any art; in like manner, without an assiduous application to the various subjects treated of in the different lectures of Masonry, no person can be sufficiently acquainted with its true value.

It must not, however, be inferred from this remark that persons, who labor under the disadvantages of a confined education or whole sphere of life, require a more intense application to business of study and are to be discouraged in their endeavors to gain a knowledge of Masonry.

To qualify an individual to enjoy the benefits of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all the intricate parts of the science. These are only intended for the diligent and assiduous Mason, who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge such pursuits. Though some are more able than others, more eminent, some more useful, yet all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the community.

Understanding these guidelines, Masons should live by a set of enduring Core Values forming the bedrock of our Nation’s character. Core Values that give them strength and courage so that they can meet any challenge. (Which all Marines will recognize and know)

Honor guides us to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie, cheat or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others. The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust and dependability commits us to act responsibly; to be accountable for our actions; to fulfill our obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.

Courage is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in us. It carries us through the challenges of life and helps to overcome fear. It is the inner strength that enables an individual to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.

Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in those committed to the Fraternity. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and is the ingredient that enables a dedication to God and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.

Put the anti-masonic naysayers to shame. Be Always Faithful: to God, our Country, our Wounded Warriors – Be a Builder – Failure is not an Option. Semper Fi.

Fraternally,
Kenneth Dyer
Grand Master

A few weeks ago, I began my day like every other day, trying to get through the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I was busy with my day’s activities and then I heard a familiar sound in an unfamiliar place. It was Christmas music.

Yes I believe we all would agree that the older we get the faster Christmas comes and the commercialization of the season does not allow the public to enjoy one holiday before they sprint off to the next holiday. It’s no longer talking about Christmas and the joy the season brings, but black Friday and cyber Monday dominated the subject of many conversations.

I believe we each need to focus on 5 principles. I am convinced that if we; you and I focus on these principles then the joy many are searching for will be found each day of the year and not just during the Christmas Season.

I would like to ask each of you a few questions.
   1. Do you have something to do? 
   2. Do you have something to hope for?
   3. Do you have something to believe in?
   4. Do you have someone in your life you love?
   5. Do you fear death?

Something to Do

Do you have something to do? We don’t have to search for an opportunity to serve; all we have to do is embrace the first opportunity we see. Historians claim that President Roosevelt would never have been elected President of the United States had the American public realized the severity of his physical limitations. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered with paralysis due to polio. Polio was one of the most dreaded illnesses of the 20th century, and had killed or paralyzed thousands of Americans during the first half of the 20th century. President Roosevelt saw an opportunity to serve his fellowman; therefore January 3, 1938 he had a vision to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the dreaded disease. The name of the foundation would emphasize the national, nonpartisan, and public nature of the organization, as opposed to private foundations established by wealthy families. The disease spanned across economic lines and due to the enormity of those that were being stricken daily, each American would be needed to do something.

He settled upon the name “The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis”. The idea was simple; he would kick off the foundation with using the newest technology that was being used in the war…radio. Yes it was settled that an appeal would go out over the radio asking every American to donate 10 cents to fight polio. In 1945 President Roosevelt would die in office. Talk soon began after his death and conversations began to circulate and a campaign started to place President Roosevelt’s portrait on a coin. Divine providence had been at work years earlier, because every other coin save one had a president or founding father’s portrait upon it, therefore to put Roosevelt image on any other coin would have required displacing a president or founding father. The only coin in wide circulation which had a purely allegorical figure (Lady Liberty) on the obverse was the dime. Over the years President Roosevelt’s foundations name would gradually change and in 1979 the name would change from “The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis” to “The March of Dimes”.

In the post-World War II years, the number of polio cases in the United States increased sharply, making the cause even more urgent. Then, on April 12, 1955 the University of Michigan held a news conference announcing to the world that the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk was “safe, potent, and effective” the research was largely supported by President Roosevelt’s March of Dimes. The largest clinical trial in U.S. history, involving 1.8 million schoolchildren, had shown the vaccine to be 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing paralytic polio. The March of Dimes rather than going out of business began to search for something else to do, and in 1958 decided to commit its charitable infrastructure to serve mothers and babies with a new mission: to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes has hosted The March for Babies, formerly known as Walk America, annually since 1970, helping to raise more than $1.7 billion dollars to fund research and programs to prevent premature birth. To date the research and vaccines developed by The March of Dimes has been recognized through receiving 10 Nobel Prize winners. Yes a cure was developed and birth defects and infant mortality rates reduced because one person decided to do something, can or should we do less?

Something to Hope for

Do you have something to hope for? We have hope for a better tomorrow, yes many hope, few pray, and seldom has someone put their hope into action like a young girl from Baltimore. In the mid1800’s our country was growing fast an expansion was moving as fast as a family could purchase a wagon load their belonging and travel west. Let us consider one woman of “great faith and a dreamer in action”. On May 24th 1900 she said “I believe we have left a century of small things and are on the outlook for larger things, ways to work we never dreamed of in the past”. Annie Walker Armstrong was a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world. She put hope into action by writing letters. As a prolific letter writer in1893 alone, she wrote almost 18,000 letters expressing her hope! Annie never hesitated to use her hands to reach out to hug a child, distribute food and clothing, and “the bread of life” God’s Holy Word to those in need. As she held her own Bible and studied to know how best to share Gods love with others her thoughts ran to those who didn’t have a copy of God’s word. One of her most vital qualities was that Annie was a woman of prayer. Annie would fold her hands daily in prayer to intercede for the missionaries and for those they were helping discover Christ by preaching and freely giving God’s word. Annie would see the immigrant’s fresh off the boats and their plight pulled at her heart strings. Annie organized woman and help establish a new organization to help serve the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1888 the WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union) was established as a direct result of Annie’s hope and action.
The WMU would serve all Americans and immigrants, red, yellow, black and white. Her hope and heartfelt work established change. Under Annie’s leadership Southern Baptist women became a vital resource and a major supporter of home missions. The WMU established a week of prayer and self-denial, which is now The Southern Baptist week of prayer for North American Missions and they named it “The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering”. Annie looked for God in unexpected places…where do you see GOD?

Something to Believe in

Do you have something to believe in? Faith is personal, and it must be real. There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must decide something to believe in. For me this occurred many years ago. My father worked on drilling rigs in the oil fields of south Louisiana and Texas, which required the family to move frequently and I attended six different public schools in the first grade alone. Friends were short term as we usually moved every six to eight weeks and the cycle started over again; however, the families of the oil field workers became very close knit just like those of military families, which many people do not understand their life style.

I have thought often about some near death experience that might change my life. I believe that many people see others floundering and never realize the severity of their troubles. It is not enough to believe that Christianity is true!

Having a Christian faith, would mean following a Christian way of life. I determined then to stop looking at people as a group and see the individual and meet their needs. Be it with a smile, to listen, give a word of cheer, a friendly hand shake, and just let them know I see them and I care.

Have you ever seen someone floundering and you stood idly by?  A Danish writer and a devote Christian by the name of Soren Kierkegaard, was unrelentingly critical of the church as an organization. He lashed out at the “crowd” for their forgetfulness of what it means to exist. A former Pastor’s mother once said “the church would be a lot better if we took all of the people out.”  She, like Kierkegaard, believed that the church was more than people frozen to a church pew. It is when we walk out of our houses of worship that our work begins. We are responsible to God as individuals for the choices we make.

I challenge each of us to take a leap of faith and share the love of God with those floundering around us. Charity is not measured by the size of our gift; do you remember the widow’s mite? God does not consider how finite an act of charity you extend; he looks at the spirit in which you give it.

You may never know the outcome of your choices, but I assure you God knows and he will remember. Yes, a life spent in fellowship with God, believing in and acting upon the square in accordance with his Holy word, serving others and sharing the love of God enables us to embrace life with no fear of death.

Someone to Love

Do you have someone in your life that you love? God created us for fellowship, fellowship with him and each other. Do you tell your family, not in words but deeds that you love them unconditionally? In the hustle and bustle of life the times our families will remember is not the gifts we purchase for them, but the time we freely gave them.

There are three things that will change a person’s life:
• The books we read
• The people we meet
• The memories we share

I would like to challenge each of you to spend family time with your spouse, your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Perhaps you can read a book, or just spend time in conversation. Take a walk and enjoy God’s creation. Yes, children are a gift from the Father and we need to cherish them and each moment we have with them.

We will soon begin a new year and the days will again run together with work, homework, school activities, and community activities.  Our families need us now more than ever!  I believe that the lessons we lay on our children’s hearts will enable them to face the trials of life and embrace life with no fear of death.

Do you embrace life with no fear of death?

As a Master Mason, we attend many funerals of our Brethren. Each time it is my honor to stand with the family and support them as we remembered a beloved Brother. The following poem is sometime shared with the families during those situations…perhaps it is for you as well:

The Master Called
I am not afraid of dying for this world is not my home
Many winters I labored searching, and often I have roamed
I am not afraid of dying; it holds no fear for me
When my dear Lord summoned, I bowed on bended knee
To receive his gift of love and grace which my Lord freely gave
Covering a multitude of sin and shame, that was buried in the grave
One day, two days, three days would pass until the Fathers call
Which broke the chains of sin and death, releasing Christ from the thrall
I am not afraid of dying; it holds no fear for me
My days are now filled with memories and a life well spent with thee
Once I was afraid of leaving familiar faces, beckoning me to stay
But this fear no longer binds me; I welcome death more each day
My Father in heaven has sheltered me within his loving care
I often retrace the faithful times I acted upon the square
So hold me in your memories, where moth and rust cannot decay
The love we shared with each other, will shelter you each day
For I am going to a reunion where God’s love has conquered death
I am not afraid of dying; I will welcome it with my dying breath
 
Fraternally,
Kenneth Dyer
Grand Master